Upright and inverted microscope

ABSTRACT

A dual-configuration microscope is provided. The microscope may be converted into an upright configuration or an inverted configuration. The microscope includes a base. The microscope further includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base at a rotational coupling. The microscope further includes one or more objectives coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the one or more objectives and the condenser. The stage includes a first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the second specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the first specimen supporting surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of non-provisional application Ser.No. 14/832,694, filed Aug. 21, 2015, which is a continuation ofnon-provisional application Ser. No. 14/494,519, filed Sep. 23, 2014,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,140,885, which is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2014/044707, filed Jun. 27, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/841,229,filed Jun. 28, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate tomicroscopes, and more particularly to a microscope configured to be usedin both an upright configuration and an inverted configuration.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, there are two types of microscope configurations,upright and inverted. Generally, upright and inverted microscopes differin the manner by which a specimen, an objective, and a light source arearranged with respect to each other. For example, in an uprightmicroscope, the objective is arranged so that it is disposed verticallyabove the specimen and the light source is disposed vertically below thespecimen. In an inverted microscope, the objective is arranged so thatit is disposed vertically below the specimen and the objective isdisposed vertically above the specimen. Accordingly, an optic train,that is the arrangement of lenses generally housed within a housing andused to reflect light from the light source and specimen to a user, isarranged either above or below the specimen along with the objective.

In both upright and inverted microscopes, focusing of the specimen isaccomplished by way of a corresponding positioning of the specimenrelative to the objective, specifically in such a way that a region ofthe specimen to be observed is arranged in a focal plane of theobjective. In one example, the position of the specimen relative to theobjective may be adjusted by moving the objective along an optical axisrelative to the specimen. In this case, the specimen may be mounted on aconventional specimen slide or dish that is secured to a correspondingspecimen holder on a microscope stage. In this example, the microscopestage may be fixed such that it does not move in the direction of theoptical axis of the objective. In another example, the position of thespecimen relative to the objective may be adjusted by mechanicallymoving the stage along the optical axis in order to focus on the desiredspecimen region. In this example, the position of the objective would befixed along the direction of its optical axis. In both examples, thestage may also be configured so that it may horizontally move relativeto a microscope body along a single plane in at least two directions,such as in an X and a Y direction.

In both examples, focusing of the specimen region is usually performedby the user by operating an interface element arranged on the microscopebody, as a result of which either the objective or the microscope stageis positioned along the optical axis. The interface element may comprisea rotary knob. Rotation of the rotary knob by the user causes linearmotion of the objective or the stage along the optical axis. Typically,the rotary knob is arranged proximal to a working surface on which themicroscope rests.

SUMMARY

The subject technology is illustrated, for example, according to variousaspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the subjecttechnology are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) forconvenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit thesubject technology. It is noted that any of the dependent clauses may becombined in any combination, and placed into a respective independentclause, e.g., clause 1, 16 and 23. The other clauses can be presented ina similar manner.

1. A microscope comprising:

-   -   a unitary base comprising a lower portion and an upper portion,        the lower portion configured to support the microscope;    -   a body comprising a first portion, a second portion, and an        intermediate portion extending between the first and second        portions, wherein the intermediate portion of the body is        rotatably coupled to the upper portion of the base at a        rotational coupling, the rotational coupling defining a rotating        axis;    -   one or more objectives coupled to the first portion; and    -   a condenser coupled to the second portion;    -   wherein the one or more objectives and condenser are positioned        in an inverted configuration when the body is rotated around the        rotating axis such that the one or more objectives is located        below the light source;    -   wherein the one or more objectives and condenser are positioned        in an upright configuration when the body is rotated around the        rotating axis such that the one or more objectives is located        above the light source.

2. The microscope of clause 0, wherein the body of the microscope facessubstantially the same direction in the inverted configuration and inthe upright configuration.

3. The microscope of clause 0, wherein the body of the microscopeoccupies substantially the same three-dimensional area in the invertedconfiguration and in the upright configuration.

4. The microscope of clause 0, wherein the rotational coupling comprisesa shaft extending longitudinally from the upper portion of the base anda corresponding bore disposed within the intermediate portion of thebody, the shaft and bore arranged to permit the body to rotate about therotating axis.

5. The microscope of clause 0, further comprising a stage configured forattachment to the intermediate portion of the body, the stage positionedbetween the one or more objectives and the condenser.

6. The microscope of clause 5, wherein the stage extends generallyperpendicularly from a mounting block configured to be secured in apocket of the intermediate portion of the body, wherein the stage ismounted away from an axis of symmetry of the mounting block such that aspecimen supporting surface of the stage maintains a distance from asurface of the condenser when the body is rotated from the uprightconfiguration to the inverted configuration.

7. The microscope of clause 5, further comprising a quick-releasemechanism configured to engage a chamfered surface of the mounting blockto secure the mounting block to the body of the microscope.

8. The microscope of clause 0, the rotating axis extending in alongitudinal direction with respect to the microscope.

9. The microscope of clause 0, further comprising an optical armdisposed proximal to the first portion of the body, the optical armarranged within an optical path of the one or more objectives.

10. The microscope of clause 9, wherein the optical arm is pivotablycoupled to the first portion of the body and is configured to rotateabout a pivoting axis that extends in a lateral direction with respectto the microscope.

11. The microscope of clause 10, further comprising a Dove prismpositioned within the optical arm.

12. The microscope of clause 11, further comprising a collar positionedon the optical arm for manually rotating the Dove prism to correct forrotations of a visual representation of a specimen due to rotation ofthe optical arm.

13. The microscope of clause 11, further comprising a geared arrangementor mechanical motor for manually rotating the Dove prism to correct forrotations of a visual representation of a specimen due to rotation ofthe optical arm.

14. The microscope of clause 9, further comprising a cradle disposed ata distal portion of the optical arm, the cradle configured to receive anelectronic device that is configured to acquire images, and align theelectronic device within an optical path of the optical arm.

15. The microscope of clause 14, wherein the cradle is configured toreceive and secure an electronic device comprising one of a mobilecommunications device, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, digitalcamera, portable gaming console, or portable computer.

16. The microscope of clause 0, further comprising a first and secondfocus knob disposed laterally on the body, wherein the first focus knobis disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the secondfocus knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body;wherein the first and second focus knobs are configured to adjust aposition of the one or more objectives along an optical axis defined bythe one or more objectives.

17. The microscope of clause 0, wherein the first portion of the bodycomprises a surface having a convex profile that corresponds with asurface of the lower portion of the base having a concave profile.

18. A method for assembling a rotating microscope, the methodcomprising:

-   -   mounting at least one objective and light source to a microscope        body; and    -   rotatably coupling the microscope body to a unitary microscope        base, the body configured to rotate about a rotating axis at a        rotational coupling such that the at least one objective and        light source are positioned in an inverted configuration when        the body is rotated around the rotating axis such that the at        least one objective is located below the light source and such        that the at least one objective and light source are positioned        in an upright configuration when the body is rotated around the        rotating axis such that the at least one objective is located        above the light source.

19. The method of clause 18, further comprising releasably mounting astage to the body disposed between the at least one objective and thelight source, wherein the stage is mounted away from an axis of symmetryof a mounting block such that a specimen supporting surface of the stagemaintains a distance from the at least one objective when the body isrotated from the upright configuration to the inverted configuration.

20. The method of clause 19, further comprising providing aquick-release mechanism for removal of the stage from the body.

21. The method of clause 18, further comprising pivotably coupling anoptical arm to the body, the optical arm configured to pivot about apivoting axis that extends in a lateral direction with respect to themicroscope, the optical arm being arranged within an optical path of theat least one objective.

22. The method of clause 21, further comprising providing a Dove prismwithin the optical arm.

23. The method of clause 22, further comprising providing means forrotating the Dove prism to correct for rotations of a visualrepresentation of a specimen due to rotation of the optical arm.

24. A method for converting a microscope from an upright configurationinto an inverted configuration, the method comprising:

-   -   rotating a microscope body with respect to a unitary microscope        base from a first, upright configuration, into a second,        inverted configuration, wherein the body is rotatably engaged to        the base and rotates along a rotating axis that extends in a        longitudinal direction with respect to the microscope, and        wherein the body comprises a first portion having an objective        mounted thereto and a second portion having a condenser mounted        thereto.

25. The method of clause 24, further comprising moving a stageadjustably mounted to the body from a first position to a secondposition in a direction along an optical axis defined by the objective,wherein the stage is in the first position when the microscope is in thefirst, upright configuration and the stage is in the second positionwhen the microscope is in the second, inverted configuration.

26. The method of clause 25, wherein the stage comprises a firstspecimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface,opposite the first specimen supporting surface;

-   -   wherein when the stage is in the first position, the first        specimen supporting surface is configured to support a specimen;        and    -   wherein when the stage is in the second position, the second        specimen supporting surface is configured to support the        specimen.

27. The method of clause 26, wherein when the stage is in the firstposition, a distance between the first specimen supporting surface and asurface of the condenser is the same value as a distance between thesecond specimen supporting surface and the surface of the condenser whenthe stage is in the second position.

28. The method of clause 24, further comprising moving an optical armalong a pivoting axis that extends in a lateral direction with respectto the microscope, the optical arm being adjustably mounted to the bodyand arranged within an optical path of the objective.

29. The method of clause 24, further comprising fixing the body in thesecond, inverted configuration by mechanically preventing the body fromrotating with respect to the base.

30. A method for maintaining optical symmetry in a rotating microscopehaving an upright and inverted configuration, the method comprising:

-   -   mounting an objective to a microscope body;    -   mounting a condenser to the microscope body; and    -   mounting a stage to the microscope body, the stage comprising a        first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen        supporting surface, the second specimen supporting surface        opposing the first specimen supporting surface;        -   wherein when the microscope is in the upright configuration,            the first specimen supporting surface is positioned a            distance away from a surface of the condenser;        -   wherein when the microscope is in the inverted            configuration, the second specimen supporting surface is            positioned the distance away from the surface of the            condenser.

31. The method of clause 30, wherein the mounting the stage comprisesslidably mounting the stage, wherein the stage is configured to slidebetween a first and second position along an optical axis defined by theobjective, wherein the stage is in the first position when themicroscope is in the upright configuration and the stage is in thesecond position when the microscope is in the inverted configuration.

32. A microscope system comprising:

-   -   a body comprising at least one objective, stage, and condenser,        the stage disposed between the at least one objective and        condenser;    -   an optical arm arranged along an optical path of the at least        one objective, the optical arm coupled to the body at a proximal        portion of the optical arm; and    -   a cradle disposed at a distal portion of the optical arm, the        cradle configured to align an optical input of an electronic        device within an optical path of the optical arm.

33. The microscope system of clause 32, wherein the cradle is sized toreceive an electronic device comprising one of a mobile device,smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, or portable computer.

34. The microscope system of clause 32, wherein the optical arm ispivotably coupled to the body.

35. The microscope system of clause 34, wherein the optical arm isconfigured to rotate about a pivoting axis that extends in a lateraldirection with respect to the microscope.

36. The microscope system of clause 35, wherein the optical armcomprises a Dove prism configured to rotate about the pivoting axis.

37. The microscope system of clause 32, further comprising anapplication configured to run on the electronic device to receive userinput for one or both of managing image data received from the opticalarm of the microscope and controlling operations of the microscope.

38. The microscope system of clause 37, wherein the application isconfigured to enable user modification of at least one image parameterfor the image data.

39. The microscope system of clause 37, wherein the application isconfigured to enable user selection of one or both of album names andfile names for the image data.

40. The microscope system of clause 32, wherein the microscope comprisesa rotating microscope configured to be converted from an uprightconfiguration into an inverted configuration.

41. An upright and inverted flipping microscope comprising:

-   -   a body comprising a first portion, a second portion and an        intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being disposed        between the first and second portions;    -   at least one objective mounted to the first portion of the body;    -   a condenser mounted to the second portion of the body; and    -   a stage mounted to the intermediate portion of the body;        -   wherein the stage comprises a first specimen supporting            surface and a second specimen supporting surface, the second            specimen supporting surface opposing the first specimen            supporting surface;        -   wherein when the microscope is in a first, upright            configuration, the first specimen supporting surface is            disposed at a first distance away from a surface of the            condenser;        -   wherein when the microscope is in a second, inverted            configuration, the second specimen supporting surface is            disposed at a second distance away from the surface of the            condenser; and        -   wherein the first and second distances are the same.

42. The microscope of clause 41, further comprising an optical armmounted to the first portion of the body and arranged within an opticalpath of the at least one objective.

43. The microscope of clause 42, wherein the optical arm is pivotablycoupled to the first portion of the body and is configured to rotateabout a pivoting axis that extends in a lateral direction with respectto the microscope.

44. The microscope of clause 43, further comprising a cradle disposed ata distal portion of the optical arm, the cradle configured to receive anelectronic device that is configured to acquire images, and align theelectronic device within an optical path of the optical arm

45. The microscope of clause 44, wherein the electronic device comprisesa mobile device, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA or portablecomputer.

46. The microscope of clause 45, wherein the electronic device comprisesa touch-screen display, the touch screen display configured to receiveuser input for controlling operations of the microscope.

47. The microscope of clause 41, further comprising a first and secondfocus knob disposed laterally on the body, wherein the first focus knobis disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the secondfocus knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body;wherein the first and second focus knobs are configured to adjust aposition of the at least one objective along an optical axis defined bythe at least one objective.

48. A method for converting a microscope from an upright configurationinto an inverted configuration, the method comprising:

-   -   flipping a microscope body from a upright configuration, into an        inverted configuration, wherein the body comprises a first        portion having an objective mounted thereto and a second portion        having a condenser mounted thereto; and    -   adjusting a stage mounted to the body from a first position to a        second position in a direction along an optical axis defined by        the objective, wherein the stage is in the first position when        the microscope is in the upright configuration and the stage is        in the second position when the microscope is in the inverted        configuration.

49. The method of clause 48, wherein a distance between a specimensupporting surface of the stage and a surface of the condenser is thesame when the stage is in the first and second position.

50. The method of clause 49, wherein the specimen supporting surface ofthe stage in the first position comprises a first surface of the stage,and the specimen supporting surface of the stage in the second positioncomprises a second surface of the stage, wherein the second surfaceopposes the first surface.

51. The method of clause 48, further comprising moving an optical armalong a pivoting axis that extends in a lateral direction with respectto the microscope, the optical arm being adjustably mounted to the bodyand arranged within an optical path of the objective.

52. A reconfigurable microscope frame comprising:

-   -   a body comprising a first portion, a second portion and an        intermediate portion, the intermediate portion disposed between        the first and second portions;        -   wherein the first portion comprises a first mounting            feature;        -   wherein the second portion comprises a second mounting            feature;        -   wherein the first and second mounting features are            configured to receive interchangeable components;        -   wherein the interchangeable components comprise an            objective, condenser, or light source;        -   wherein the objective comprises an optical arm pivotably            coupled thereto; the optical arm arranged within the optical            path of the objective; and        -   wherein the optical arm comprises a cradle disposed at a            distal portion of the optical arm, the cradle configured to            receive an electronic device that is configured to acquire            images, the cradle configured to align the electronic device            within an optical path of the optical arm.

53. The microscope frame of clause 52, wherein the first and secondmounting features comprise a channel configured to receive acorresponding rail of the objective, condenser, or light source.

54. The microscope frame of clause 53, wherein the first and secondmounting features comprise a lock configured to mechanically engage theobjective, condenser, or light source.

55. The microscope frame of clause 54, wherein the first and secondmounting features comprise an electrode for providing electrical powerto the light source.

56. The microscope frame of clause 52, wherein the electronic devicecomprises a mobile device, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA orportable computer.

57. A modular microscope comprising:

-   -   a body comprising a first portion and a second portion and an        intermediate portion, the intermediate portion disposed between        the first and second portions; wherein the first and second        portions each comprise a module mounting feature;    -   an objective module comprising an objective and a first body        mounting feature, the first body mounting feature configured to        engage the module mounting feature of the first or second        portions; and    -   a light source module comprising a condenser, a light source,        and a second body mounting feature, the second body mounting        feature configured to engage the module mounting feature of the        first or second portions;    -   wherein the body comprises an optical path disposed within the        body and extending from a first inlet port disposed proximal to        the second portion, to an output port disposed proximal to the        first portion.

58. The microscope of clause 57, wherein the output port is configuredto receive an electronic device configured to acquire images.

59. The microscope of clause 58, wherein the electronic device comprisesa mobile device, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA or portablecomputer.

60. The microscope of clause 57, wherein the objective module furthercomprises an objective output port in optical communication with thefirst inlet port of the body.

61. The microscope of clause 60, wherein the body further comprises asecond inlet port disposed proximal to the first portion in opticalcommunication with the optical path of the body.

62. The microscope of clause 61, wherein the objective output port is inoptical communication with the second inlet port of the body.

63. The microscope of clause 62, wherein the body further comprises aretractable mirror disposed within the optical path, the retractablemirror configured to be disposed within the optical path of the body ata first position and away from the optical path of the body at a secondposition.

64. The microscope of clause 57, wherein each of the module mountingfeatures comprise an opening and wherein the first and second bodymounting features each comprise an elongated member configured to engagethe opening.

65. A microscope comprising:

-   -   a body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion;    -   a bottom arm rotatably coupled to the body at the bottom portion        of the body, the bottom arm comprising an objective disposed at        a first portion of the bottom arm and a condenser disposed at a        second portion of the bottom arm, the bottom arm configured to        rotate about an axis disposed between the objective and the        condenser; and    -   a top arm rotatably coupled to the body at the top portion of        the body, the top arm comprising an objective disposed at a        first portion of the top arm and a condenser disposed at a        second portion of the top arm, the top arm configured to rotate        about an axis disposed between the objective and the condenser.

66. A stage for use with a reconfigurable microscope, the stagecomprising:

-   -   a specimen supporting surface configured to be positioned        between a condenser and an objective of the reconfigurable        microscope;    -   a mounting block coupled to the specimen supporting surface and        extending generally perpendicularly from the specimen supporting        surface, the mounting block configured to releasably attach to a        body of the reconfigurable microscope;    -   wherein the specimen supporting surface is mounted away from an        axis of symmetry of the mounting block such that the specimen        supporting surface maintains a distance from a surface of the        condenser when the reconfigurable microscope is reconfigured        between an upright configuration and an inverted configuration.

67. The stage of clause 66, further comprising adjustment means forproviding control of an X, Y position of a top portion of the stage, thetop portion comprising the specimen supporting surface.

68. The stage of clause 67, wherein the means for providing controlcomprises at least one rotatable knob mechanically driving at least onebelt.

69. The stage of clause 66, further comprising a removable insert in thespecimen supporting surface.

70. The stage of clause 69, wherein the removable insert is configuredto support at least one slide containing a specimen when thereconfigurable microscope is in the inverted configuration.

71. The stage of clause 69, wherein the removable insert is configuredto support a specimen dish or container when the reconfigurablemicroscope is in the upright configuration.

72. The stage of clause 66, the mounting block comprising a chamferededge for releasably engaging a locking mechanism to be secured to thebody of the reconfigurable microscope.

73. A system comprising the stage of any of clauses 66-72 and one of:(1) the microscope of any of clauses 1-17 41-47, and 57-65; (2) amicroscope constructed by the method of any of clauses 18-23 and 30-31;(3) the microscope system of any of clauses 32-40; or (4) the microscopeframe of any of clauses 52-56.

Other configurations of the subject technology are apparent from thefollowing detailed description, wherein various configurations of thesubject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. Aswill be realized, the subject technology is capable of other anddifferent configurations and its several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thescope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the subject technology and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of thesubject technology and together with the description serve to explainthe principles of the subject technology.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a rotating microscope positioned inan upright configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a rotating microscope positioned inan example of an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section view of an embodiment of arotational coupling of a rotating microscope.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross section view of an embodiment of a stage.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a height compensator in a firstposition.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of the height compensator of FIG. 4Ain a second position.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a rotating microscope positioned inan inverted configuration.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a flipping microscope in an uprightconfiguration.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a flipping microscope in an invertedconfiguration.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a reconfigurable microscope in anupright configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the reconfigurable microscope ofFIG. 8 in an inverted configuration.

FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of a mounting feature.

FIG. 10B illustrates an embodiment of an interchangeable component.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate an embodiment of a modular microscope in anupright configuration.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an embodiment of the modular microscope ofFIGS. 11A-11C in an inverted configuration.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate an embodiment of a base of a modularmicroscope.

FIG. 14A-14B illustrate a condenser module of a modular microscope.

FIG. 14C-14D illustrate an objective module of a modular microscope.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a swing arm microscope.

FIG. 16A illustrates an embodiment of an upper swing arm.

FIG. 16B illustrates an embodiment of a lower swing arm.

FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate an embodiment of a laterally rotatingmicroscope.

FIG. 18 illustrates a high-level schematic block diagram of anembodiment of an electronic system for use with a reconfigurablemicroscope as described herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates and example of a user interface provided on a mobilecomputing device configured to cooperate with a dual-configurationmicroscope.

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate an embodiment of a stage for use with adual-configuration microscope.

FIGS. 21A-21B illustrate an embodiment of a rotating microscope in anupright configuration.

FIG. 21C illustrates an embodiment of the rotating microscope of FIGS.21A-21B in an inverted configuration.

FIG. 21D illustrates an embodiment of a Dove prism housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, there conventionally are two types of microscopeconfigurations, upright and inverted. These two types of microscopes areseparate from one another and if a user desires to utilize an uprightand inverted microscope, the user must have two separate microscopes attheir disposal. Having two separate microscopes thereby increases theequipment and maintenance costs to the user and further, requiresadditional physical space to store and use the separate microscopes. Thedual-configuration microscopes of the subject technology address theforegoing problems, among others, by allowing the user to convert asingle microscope from an upright configuration into an invertedconfiguration, and vice versa.

Rotating Embodiment

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example of a rotating microscope 100. Referringto FIG. 1, the microscope 100 is depicted in an upright configuration.The microscope 100 comprises a unitary base 102 and a body 104. The base102 comprises a lower portion 102A and an upper portion 102B. The lowerportion 102A extends in a substantially horizontal plane and the upperportion 102B extends in a substantially vertical plane. The upperportion 102B may be disposed at about a 90 degree angle from the lowerportion 102A and may further, be manufactured as a single component.Alternatively, the lower portion 102A and upper portion 102B may beformed of two or more separate components and attached, fastened, orotherwise coupled together to form the base 102. The lower portion 102Ais configured to support the microscope 100 on a working surface 10. Thebase 102 may be formed of a metal alloy, composite, polymer, or othersufficiently rigid material that is capable of supporting the weight andproper use of the microscope 100, as known by those having ordinaryskill in the art.

The body 104 comprises a first portion 104A, a second portion 104B, andan intermediate portion 104C extending between the first and secondportions, 104A and 104B respectively. The intermediate portion 104C maybe rotatably coupled to the upper portion 102B of the base 102 at arotational coupling (shown in FIG. 3A). The rotational coupling 130allows the body 104 to rotate with respect to the base 102 along arotating axis 120 that extends in a longitudinal direction with respectto the microscope 100, as shown in FIG. 2. To facilitate rotation of thebody 104 with respect to the base 102, in some embodiments an outersurface 152A (see, for example, FIG. 1) of the first portion 104A and anouter surface 152B (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 5) of the secondportion 104B may each have a convex profile that corresponds to aconcave profile of an outer surface 153 of the lower portion 102A. Theconvex and concave outer surfaces thereby prevent interference betweenthe body 104 and the base 102 during rotation.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of therotational coupling coupling 130 of the microscope 100. The rotationalcoupling 130 may comprise a shaft 132 extending longitudinally from theupper portion 102B of the base 102 and a corresponding bore 134 disposedwithin the intermediate portion 104C of the body 104. The shaft 132 andbore 134 are arranged to permit the body 104 to rotate about therotating axis 120, as shown in FIG. 2.

The rotational coupling 130 is provided as one example of a suitablecoupling between the base 102 and the body 104. In other embodiments,variations of rotational couplings from the illustrated coupling in FIG.3A can be used to facilitate rotation of the body 104 around therotating axis 120. For example, a ball bearing coupling, a rigidcoupling between a first rotating shaft of the body 104 and a secondrotating shaft of the base 102, a wheel and axle, or other suitablecouplings allowing rotation may be used to permit rotation of the body104 relative to the base 102. In some embodiments, the rotationalcoupling may be coated or treated to reduce friction. In someembodiments, the rotational coupling may be configured to stop or lockwhen the body 104 is in the inverted and upright positions.

Referring to FIG. 1, the body 104 is configured to support, directly orindirectly, at least one objective 113, a stage 114, a condenser 116,and/or a light source (not shown). The body 104 may be formed of a metalalloy, composite, polymer, or other sufficiently rigid material capableof supporting the objective 113, stage 114, condenser 116, and/or lightsource. The body 104 may be manufactured as a single component or maycomprise a multitude of components that are attached, fastened, orotherwise assembled together, as known by those having ordinary skill inthe art.

The objective 113 may be mounted to a nosepiece 112 and is disposedproximal to the first portion 104A of the body 104. The objective 113comprises a cylinder containing one or more lenses configured to collectlight from a specimen being observed. The objective 113 further definesan optical axis 124 that, when in a working position, runs perpendicularto the stage 114. The stage 114 supports the specimen being observed ona specimen supporting surface 119A, as discussed further below.

The condenser 116 and light source may be disposed proximal to thesecond portion 104B of the body 104. Particularly, the condenser 116 maybe mounted on the second portion 104B and the light source may bemounted within the body 104. The condenser 116 includes a lens thatserves to concentrate light from the light source into a cone of lightthat illuminates the specimen.

The stage 114 is a platform configured to support the specimen beingobserved. The stage 114 may include an opening aligned with thecondenser 116, to allow light to pass through the stage 114 andilluminate the specimen. In one example, the stage 114 may be configuredto be removably attached to the intermediate portion 104C of the body104. For example, the stage 114 may include a substantially horizontalrail that is configured to slide within a substantially horizontalchannel disposed within the intermediate portion 104C of the body 104.The stage 114 may thus, be attached to the body 104 by sliding the stage114 horizontally toward the body 104. To remove the stage 114, the stage114 may be slid horizontally away from the body 104, thereby disengagingthe channel and rail assembly. In this example, the channel of the body104 is configured to receive the rail of the stage 114 when themicroscope 100 is in either the upright or inverted configuration.Accordingly, the channel of the body 104 and the rail of the stage 114may have horizontally symmetrical profiles, such as a round, oval,rectangular, square or any combination thereof.

In another example, the rail of the stage 114 may be configured to beinserted into a first or second substantially horizontal channeldisposed within the intermediate portion 104C of the body 104. In thisexample, the rail of the stage 114 may be inserted into the firstchannel of the body 104 when the microscope 100 is in the uprightconfiguration and into the second channel of the body 104 when themicroscope 100 is in the inverted configuration. In some embodiments,the first and second channels of the body 104 and the rail of the stage114 may not have horizontally symmetrical profiles in order to aid theuser in knowing into which of the first or second channels to insert therail of the stage 114. In some embodiments, the first and secondchannels of the body 104 can be arranged to maintain a distance betweena specimen supporting surface 119A of the stage 114 and an outer surfaceof a lens of the objective 113, regardless of whether the microscope 100is in the upright or inverted configuration. In particular, when themicroscope 100 is in the upright configuration, the stage 114 can beinserted into the first channel. When in the first channel, the specimensupporting surface 119A is at a first distance away from the outersurface of the lens of the objective 113. When the microscope 100 is inthe inverted configuration, the stage 114 can be inserted into thesecond channel. When in the second channel, the specimen supportingsurface 119A is at a second distance away from the outer surface of thelens of the objective 113. The first and second channels are arranged onthe body 104 so that the first and second distances are the same.

Alternatively, the stage 114 may be mounted to a height compensator 115that is disposed proximal to the intermediate portion 104C of the body104. As shown in FIG. 1, the stage 114 may be disposed between theobjective 113 and the condenser 116. Other embodiments of stageconfigurations are discussed in more detail below.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a detail view of the height compensator 115and the stage 114 in the first and second positions, respectively. Theheight compensator 115 may comprise at least one rail 117A that isconfigured to engage a corresponding channel 117B disposed within thestage 114. The rail 117A and the channel 117B are configured to permitthe stage 114 to slide between a first position (shown in FIG. 4A) and asecond position (shown in FIG. 4B) along the optical axis 124. Althougha rail and channel arrangement are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is knownby those having ordinary skill in the art that other mechanisms may beused to permit sliding of the stage between the first and secondpositions.

When the stage is in the first position (shown in FIG. 4A), themicroscope 100 is in the upright configuration (as shown in FIG. 1).When the stage is in the second position (shown in FIG. 4B), themicroscope is in the inverted configuration (as shown in FIG. 5). In oneembodiment, the stage 114 slides between the first and second positionsbased on gravity. Accordingly, the stage 114 may move between the firstand second positions automatically when the body 104 is rotated from theupright configuration to the inverted configuration. Similarly, thestage 114 may move between the second and first positions automaticallywhen the body 104 is rotated from the inverted configuration to theupright configuration. Movement of the stage between the first andsecond position can maintain a focal distance between the objective andthe specimen-supporting (e.g., upward-facing) surface of the stage whenthe body 104 is rotated between the inverted configuration and theupright configuration. Similarly, movement of the stage between thefirst and second position can maintain a working distance between thecondenser and the specimen-supporting (e.g., upward-facing) surface ofthe stage when the body 104 is rotated between the invertedconfiguration and the upright configuration.

In some aspects, the stage 114 comprises, on an outer surface, a firstspecimen supporting surface 119A and at an opposite surface, a secondspecimen supporting surface 119B. When the microscope 100 is in theupright configuration and thus, the stage 114 is in the first position,the first specimen supporting surface 119A is facing upward andtherefore configured to support the specimen. When the microscope 100 isin the inverted configuration and thus, the stage 114 is in the secondposition, the second specimen supporting surface 119B is facing upwardand therefore configured to support the specimen.

In some aspects, each of the first and second specimen supportingsurfaces, 119A and 119B respectively, may comprise a specimen securingelement 143 that is configured to secure a specimen. The specimensecuring element 143 may secure the specimen through mechanical,magnetic, or electromechanical means. For example, the specimen securingelement 143 may comprise stage clips to mechanically secure the specimento the stage. Alternatively, each of the first and second specimensupporting surfaces, 119A and 119B respectively, may comprise a recessedpocket 144 that is configured to accept an interchangeable insert 145.The interchangeable insert 145 may be selected based on the type ofspecimen to be observed, such as a specimen slide or specimen petridish. In this example, the interchangeable insert 145 itself, supportsthe specimen.

In some aspects, when the stage 114 is in the first position, the firstspecimen supporting surface 119A is positioned at a distance “D1” froman outer surface of a lens of the objective 113 and a distance “D3” froman outer surface of the condenser 116. Likewise, when the stage 114 isin the second position, the second specimen supporting surface 119B ispositioned at a distance “D2” from the outer surface of the lens of theobjective 113 and a distance “D4” from an outer surface of the condenser116. To maintain the appropriate distance between the specimensupporting surface and the lens of the objective 113 and/or condenser116, the height compensator 115 allows the stage 114 to move between thefirst and second positions, as discussed above. By doing so, the heightcompensator 115 allows D2 to be the same value as D1 when the microscope100 is converted from the upright configuration to the invertedconfiguration. Likewise, the height compensator 115 allows D1 to be thesame value as D2 when the microscope 100 is converted from the invertedconfiguration to the upright configuration. Similarly, the heightcompensator 115 allows D3 to be the same value as D4 when the microscope100 is converted from the upright configuration to the invertedconfiguration. Likewise, the height compensator 115 allows D4 to be thesame value as D3 when the microscope 100 is converted from the invertedconfiguration to the upright configuration. In other words, the heightcompensator 115 maintains the distance (D1 or D2) between theappropriate specimen supporting surface (119A or 119B) and the lens ofthe objective 113, and/or the distance (D3 or D4) between theappropriate specimen supporting surface (119A or 119B) and the lens ofthe condenser 116, regardless of whether the microscope 100 is in theupright configuration or the inverted configuration. Accordingly, theposition of a focal plane of the objective 113, with respect to theappropriate specimen supporting surface (119A or 119B), remainsunchanged. Likewise, the position of the condenser 116, with respect tothe appropriate specimen supporting surface (119A or 119B)—the distanceof which is generally referred to as the working distance—remainsunchanged.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross section view of the stage 114. In someaspects, the stage 114 comprises a removable and repositionable stagedisplacement handle 126. Rotation of the handle causes the displacementof the stage 114 in the X and Y directions, both of which are generallyhorizontal and parallel to the working surface 10 that supports themicroscope 100. The handle 126 comprises a shaft 127 having a first gear128A and a second gear 128B disposed at a distal portion of the shaft127, and a first knob 129A and a second knob 129B disposed at a proximalportion of the shaft 127. Rotation of the first knob 129A causesrotation of the first gear 128A. Rotation of the first gear 128A causesdisplacement of the stage 114 in the X direction. Rotation of the secondknob 129B causes rotation of the second gear 128B. Rotation of thesecond gear 128B causes displacement of the stage 114 in the Ydirection.

The stage 114 further comprises at least one receptacle 140A configuredto receive the distal portion of the shaft 127 and the first and secondgears, 128A and 128B, respectively. In one aspect, the receptacle 140Ais configured to receive the distal portion of the shaft 127 from eitherthe first or second specimen supporting surfaces 119A, 119B. In otherwords, the distal portion of shaft 127 may be inserted into thereceptacle 140A from either the first specimen supporting surface 119Aside, or the second specimen supporting surface 119B side. In this way,when the microscope 100 is rotated from the upright configuration to theinverted configuration, the handle 126 may be removed from thereceptacle 140A, such as from the second specimen supporting surface119B side, and reinserted into the receptacle 140A from the firstspecimen supporting surface 119A side, thereby repositioning the handle126 so that it remains proximal to the working surface 10 that supportsthe microscope 100. Similarly, when the microscope 100 is rotated fromthe inverted configuration to upright configuration, the handle 126 maybe removed from the receptacle 140A, such as from the first specimensupporting surface 119A side, and reinserted into the receptacle 140Afrom the second specimen supporting surface 119B side, therebyrepositioning the handle 126 so that it remains proximal to the workingsurface 10 that supports the microscope 100.

In some aspects, the stage 114 may include a second receptacle 140B thatis disposed laterally away from the first receptacle 140A. Uponconversion of the microscope 100 from the upright configuration to theinverted configuration, the handle 126 may, for example, be removed fromthe first receptacle 140A and inserted into the second receptacle 140B,thereby allowing the handle 126 to remain on the right side of themicroscope 100. Accordingly, the first and second receptacles, 140A and140B respectively, provide for the handle 126 to remain on a common sideof the microscope 100, regardless of whether the microscope 100 is inthe upright configuration or in the inverted configuration.

Referring to FIG. 3B, upon insertion of the handle 126 into thereceptacle 140A, 140B the first gear 128A engages a corresponding thirdgear 128C disposed within the stage 114 and the second gear 128B engagesa corresponding fourth gear 128D disposed within the stage 114. Althoughthe use of gears are discussed herein with reference to displacing thestage 114 in the X and Y directions, it is understood that othermechanical methods may be used to control the displacement of the stagein the X and Y directions, such as the use of hexagonal shaped shafts,square shaped shafts, use of friction or snap fits, or any othermechanical methods as known by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The handle 126 may further comprise a stop 141 that is configured toengage the first or second specimen supporting surfaces 119A, 119B. Whenengaged, the physical contact between the stop 141 and the first orsecond specimen supporting surfaces 119A, 119B prevents furtherinsertion of the handle 126 into the receptacle 140A, 140B bymechanically preventing further movement of the handle 126 in adirection toward the stage 114. In some aspects, to prevent the handle126 from inadvertently disengaging the receptacle 140A, 140B the handle126 may comprise a magnetic element 142A that is configured to engageone or more corresponding magnetic elements 142B disposed within thestage 114. In particular, the magnetic elements 142B may be disposedproximate to the first and second specimen supporting surfaces, 119A and119B respectively. The magnetic elements 142A, 142B maintain engagementof the shaft 127 within the receptacle 140A, 140B through a magneticforce acting between the magnetic elements 142A and 142B. Although theuse of a magnetic force is discussed herein with reference tomaintaining the shaft 127 within the receptacle 140A, 140B, it isunderstood that other methods may be used to maintain the shaft 127within the receptacle 140A, 140B, such as the use of interference,friction or snap fits, or any other mechanical or electromechanicalmethods as known by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the microscope 100 may further comprise an opticalarm 106 disposed proximal to the first portion 104A of the body 104. Theoptical arm 106 may comprise an elongated housing forming an opticalpathway therein, the optical pathway having an optical input at one endof the optical arm 106 and an optical output at an opposite end of theoptical arm 106. The optical input of the of the optical arm 106 isconfigured to receive light that has entered the objective 113 and hasbeen reflected toward the optical input of the optical arm 106 via oneor more mirrors disposed within the first portion 104A of the body 104.Light entering the optical input of the optical arm 106 is thenreflected to the optical output of the optical arm 106 via one or moremirrors disposed within the optical arm 106 and/or body 104. The opticalarm 106, therefore, forms a portion of the optical path of themicroscope 100.

In another example, the optical arm 106 may be disposed proximal to theintermediate portion 104C of the body 104. In this example, the opticalarm 106 may be disposed adjacent to the stage 114 and configured todirect light entering the objective to the optical output of the opticalarm 106 via one or more mirrors disposed within the optical arm 106and/or body 104. In yet another example, the optical arm 106 may bedisposed proximal to the second portion 104B of the body 104. In thisexample, the optical arm 106 may be disposed adjacent to the workingsurface 10 and configured to direct light entering the objective to theoptical output of the optical arm 106 via one or more mirrors disposedwithin the optical arm 106 and/or body 104.

In some aspects, the optical arm 106 may be pivotably coupled to thefirst portion 104A of the body 104, thereby allowing the optical arm 106to rotate about a pivoting axis 122. The pivoting axis 122 may extend ina lateral direction with respect to the microscope 100. The optical arm106 may be configured to be positioned at varying angles, or at one ormore predetermined angles. In one aspect, the optical arm 106 may bemechanically connected to a brake that prevents the body 104 fromrotating. Accordingly, in order to rotate the body 104 and therebyconvert the microscope 100 from an upright configuration to an invertedconfiguration, or from an inverted configuration to an uprightconfiguration, the optical arm 106 must first be rotated towards therotating axis 120 or toward the stage 114 in order to disengage thebrake. In this way, the possibility of damaging the optical arm 106 orother related component through inadvertent collision with the lowerportion 102A during rotation of the body 104, is reduced because theoptical arm 106 is moved toward the rotating axis 120 and away from thelower base 102A, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some aspects the microscope 100 may furthercomprise a cradle 108 disposed at a distal portion of the optical arm106 and proximal to the optical output of the optical arm 106. Thecradle 108 is configured to receive and secure an electronic device 110that is capable of acquiring images. Particularly, the cradle 108 alignsan optical input of the electronic device 110, such as a lens of acamera, with the optical output of the optical arm 106. The electronicdevice may comprise a mobile device, camera, tablet computer, laptopcomputer, PDA, portable computer, or other device that is capable ofreceiving light or other optical data, or acquiring an image.

The electronic device 110 may further comprise a touch-sensitive screendisplay or other input mechanisms, such as buttons or keys, that arecapable of receiving user input. In some aspects, a user may controloperations of the microscope, such as focusing of a specimen,positioning of a specimen with respect to the objective 113, operationof the light source, control of the condenser 116, acquisition of animage, processing of an image, sending of an image to another device,altering light pathways and illumination settings, automated X-Y stagemovement, controlling external hardware devices (e.g., camera),controlling other computer devices (e.g., onboard mini-computer, onboardcontrollers), communicating with other devices (such as through localarea networks, wide area networks, broadband, Bluetooth, WiFi, or otherwireless or wired communication methods), and other microscope relatedoperations, by using the input mechanisms of the electronic device 110.

The microscope 100 may further comprise a first and second focus knob118A, 118B disposed laterally on the body 104. The first focus knob 118Amay be disposed proximal to the first portion 104A of the body 104 andthe second focus knob 118B may be disposed proximal to the secondportion 104B of the body 104. The first and second focus knobs 118A,118B may be configured to adjust a position of the objective 113 alongthe optical axis 124 to thereby position the specimen in a focal planeof the objective 113. Alternatively, the first and second focus knobs118A, 118B may be configured to adjust a position of the heightcompensator 115 and stage 114, together, along the optical axis 124 tothereby position the specimen in a focal plane of the objective 113.

A method for converting the microscope 100 from an upright configurationinto an inverted configuration will now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 1-5. To convert the microscope 100 from the upright configurationinto the inverted configuration, the user may first rotate the opticalarm 106 toward the stage 114. Rotation of the optical arm 106 towardsthe stage 114 may cause the brake to disengage, thereby allowing thebody 104 to rotate about the rotating axis 120. Alternatively, theoptical arm 106 may be configured to rotate towards the stage 114 uponrotation of the body 104. Rotating the optical arm 106 towards the stage114 during rotation of the body 104 minimizes the likelihood that theoptical arm 106 will be damaged during conversion of the microscope 100.The optical arm 106 may be configured to automatically rotate towardsthe stage 114 by, for example, mechanically coupling the optical arm 106to the rotational coupling 130 via a cable and pulley system. In thisexample, upon rotation of the body 104, the cable is placed in tensionthereby causing the optical arm 106 to rotate towards the stage 114. Inanother example, a stepper motor or solenoid may be coupled to theoptical arm 106 and configured to actuate the optical arm 106 towardsthe stage 114 upon sensing rotation of the body 104.

The user may then rotate the body 104 with respect to the base 102 ineither a clockwise or counterclockwise direction along the rotating axis120, as shown in FIG. 2. The body 104 is rotated until the first portion104A is adjacent to the lower portion 102A, as shown in FIG. 5. Asillustrated by FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the body of the microscope occupiessubstantially the same three-dimensional area in the invertedconfiguration and in the upright configuration, and faces substantiallythe same direction in the inverted configuration and in the uprightconfiguration. In the inverted configuration, the objective occupiessubstantially the same space as the condenser occupies in the uprightconfiguration. Similarly, in the inverted configuration, the condenseroccupies substantially the same space as the objective occupies in theupright configuration. This can provide a seamless user experience whenconverting the microscope between the upright and invertedconfigurations, as the microscope occupies substantially the same spaceabove the workspace upon which the microscope is placed in bothconfigurations, and also faces the same direction in bothconfigurations.

As the body 104 is rotated from the upright configuration into theinverted configuration, the stage 114 may automatically slide from thefirst position (as shown in FIG. 4A), to the second position (as shownin FIG. 4B), in a direction along the optical axis 124. As a result,referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the distance between the specimensupporting surface (119A and 119B) and the outer surface of the lens ofthe objective 113 is maintained. In other words, the distance D2 is thesame as the distance D1.

The user may then rotate the optical arm 106 along the pivoting axis 122to attain a desirable viewing angle. In some aspects, to prevent thebody 104 from inadvertently moving or otherwise rotating with respect tothe base 102, the body 104 may be fixed, secured, or otherwise preventedfrom moving by either mechanically, electromechanically, or electricallylocking the body 104 in the second, inverted configuration. For example,as discussed above, the body 104 may be fixed in the invertedconfiguration by activating the brake. The brake may be activatedmanually by the user or automatically through the use of a controllerwhich is configured to detect the position of the upper or lowerportions 104A, 104B of the body 104. When the upper or lower portions104A, 104B of the body 104 are adjacent to the lower portion 102B of thebase 102, the controller activates the brake thereby fixing the body 104in the inverted configuration. The brake may comprise a solenoid,magnetic, electrical, or mechanical brake. Alternatively, a pin may beengaged to lock the body 104 to the base 102 in the invertedconfiguration.

The user may further remove the handle 126 from either the first orsecond receptacle 140A, 140B and reinsert the handle 126 in the otherreceptacle 140A, 140B, as desired. The handle 126 may also be insertedinto the desired receptacle 140A, 140B from either side of the first orsecond specimen supporting surfaces 119A, 119B. Accordingly, the handlemay be arranged so that its position with respect to the user, remainsthe same (e.g., lower right side of the microscope 100, lower left sideof the microscope 100, upper right side of the microscope 100, or upperleft side of the microscope 100).

Once in the inverted configuration, the user may wish to rotate the nosepiece 112 in order to utilize a different objective 113. In one aspect,in order to allow the nose piece 112 to freely rotate with sufficientclearance from the stage 114, the stage 114 may be moved from the secondposition (shown in FIG. 4B) to the first position (shown in FIG. 4A). Inone example, the stage 114 may be moved into the first position by theuser. In this example, the stage may be mechanically linked to a leverdisposed on a sidewall of the body. By manipulating the lever, the stage114 may be moved into the first position. In another example, thenosepiece 112 may be mechanically coupled to the stage 114 such thatrotation of the nose piece 112 causes the stage 114 to move toward thefirst position. In this example, the nosepiece 112 may be coupled to arack and pinion mechanism that converts the rotational movement of thenosepiece into a linear displacement of the stage 114. In yet anotherexample, the stage may be coupled to a solenoid that is actuated whenrotation of the nosepiece 112 is detected. In this example, a controllersenses rotation of the nosepiece 112 which in turn causes a signal to besent to an actuator, such as the solenoid, to thereby actuate the stage114 away from the objective and into the first position.

A method for converting the microscope 100 from the invertedconfiguration into the upright configuration will now be discussed withreference to FIGS. 1-5. To convert the microscope 100 from the invertedconfiguration into the upright configuration, the user may firstdisengage the brake thereby allowing the body 104 to rotate about therotating axis 120.

The user may then rotate the body 104 with respect to the base 102 ineither a clockwise or counterclockwise direction along the rotating axis120, as shown in FIG. 2. The body 104 is rotated until the secondportion 104B is adjacent to the lower portion 102A, as shown in FIG. 1.

As the body 104 is rotated from the inverted configuration into theupright configuration, the stage 114 may automatically slide from thesecond position (as shown in FIG. 4B), to the first position (as shownin FIG. 4A), in a direction along the optical axis 124. As a result,referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the distance between the specimensupporting surface (119A and 119B) and the outer surface of the lens ofthe objective 113 is maintained. In other words, the distance D1 is thesame as the distance D2.

The user may then rotate the optical arm 106 along the pivoting axis 122to attain a desirable viewing angle. In some aspects, to prevent thebody 104 from inadvertently moving or otherwise rotating with respect tothe base 102, the body 104 may be locked in the first invertedconfiguration, as discussed above.

The user may further remove the handle 126 from either the first orsecond receptacle 140A, 140B and reinsert the handle 126 in the otherreceptacle 140A, 140B, as desired. The handle 126 may also be insertedinto the desired receptacle 140A, 140B from either side of the first orsecond specimen supporting surfaces 119A, 119B. Accordingly, the handlemay be arranged so that its position with respect to the user, remainsthe same (e.g., lower right side of the microscope 100, lower left sideof the microscope 100, upper right side of the microscope 100, or upperleft side of the microscope 100).

Flipping Embodiment

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of a flipping microscope 200.Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure tothe first embodiment 100. Referring to FIG. 6, the microscope 200 isdepicted in an upright configuration. The microscope 200 comprises abody 204. The body 204 is configured to support, directly or indirectly,at least one objective 213, a condenser 216, and a light source (notshown). The body 204 may further be configured to support a stage 214.The body 204 is configured to be picked up and flipped in order toconvert the microscope 200 from an upright configuration (shown in FIG.6) to an inverted configuration (shown in FIG. 7), and vice versa.Accordingly, the body 204 comprises flattened upper and lower surfaces,252A and 252B respectively, that are configured to support themicroscope 200 on a working surface 20.

The stage 214, if mounted to the body 204, may be mounted to one or morehorizontal channels, a mounting block, or a height compensator asdescribed above with reference to the microscope 100. If the stage 214is mounted to the height compensator 215, the height compensator 215 maybe disposed between the objective 213 and the condenser 216. As alsodescribed above with reference to the microscope 100, the stage 214includes an opening aligned with the condenser 216, to allow light topass through the stage 214 and illuminate the specimen. The heightcompensator 215 permits the stage 214 to slide between a first positionand a second position along an optical axis 224, defined by theobjective 213. The stage 214 comprises, on an outer surface, a firstspecimen supporting surface 219A and at an opposite surface, a secondspecimen supporting surface 219B. When the microscope 200 is in theupright configuration the stage 214 is in the first position and thefirst specimen supporting surface 219A is configured to support thespecimen. When the microscope 200 is in the inverted configuration thestage 214 is in the second position and the second specimen supportingsurface 219B is configured to support the specimen.

As described above with reference to the microscope 100, when the stage214 is in the first position, the first specimen supporting surface 219Ais positioned at a distance “D1” from an outer surface of a lens of theobjective 213. Likewise, when the stage 214 is in the second position,the second specimen supporting surface 219B is positioned at a distance“D2” from the outer surface of the lens of the objective 213. Tomaintain the appropriate distance between the specimen supportingsurface and the objective 213, the height compensator 215 allows thestage 214 to move between the first and second positions. By doing so,the height compensator 215 allows D2 to be the same value as D1 when themicroscope 200 is flipped from the upright configuration to the invertedconfiguration. Likewise, the height compensator 215 allows D1 to be thesame value as D2 when the microscope 200 is flipped from the invertedconfiguration to the upright configuration. In other words, the heightcompensator 215 maintains the distance (D1 or D2) between theappropriate specimen supporting surface (219A or 219B) and the objective213, regardless of whether the microscope 200 is in the uprightconfiguration or the inverted configuration. Accordingly, the positionof a focal plane of the objective 213, with respect to the appropriatespecimen supporting surface (219A or 219B), remains unchanged.

The microscope 200 may further comprise an optical arm 206. The opticalarm 206 may be pivotably coupled to the body 204, thereby allowing theoptical arm 206 to rotate about a pivoting axis 222. The microscope 200may further comprise a cradle 208 disposed at a distal portion of theoptical arm 206. The cradle 208 is configured to receive and secure anelectronic device 210 that is capable of acquiring images.

A method for flipping the microscope 200 to thereby convert themicroscope 200 from an upright configuration into an invertedconfiguration will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Toconvert the microscope 200 from the upright configuration (as shown inFIG. 6) into the inverted configuration (as shown in FIG. 7), the userpicks up and flips the body 204 so that the upper surface 252A makescontact with the working surface 20.

The stage 214 automatically slides from the first position to the secondposition, in a direction along the optical axis 224, as the body 204 isflipped from the upright configuration into the inverted configuration.As a result, the distance between the specimen supporting surface (219Aand 219B) and the outer surface of the lens of the objective 213 ismaintained. In other words, the distance D2 is the same as the distanceD1.

As discussed above with reference to the microscope 100, the user mayremove and reposition the handle 226 from either the first or secondreceptacle 240A, 240B and reinsert the handle 226 in the otherreceptacle 240A, 240B, as desired. The handle 226 may further beinserted into the desired receptacle 240A, 240B from either side of thefirst or second specimen supporting surfaces 219A, 219B. Accordingly,the handle may be arranged so that its position with respect to theuser, remains the same (e.g., lower right side of the microscope 200,lower left side of the microscope 200, upper right side of themicroscope 200, or upper left side of the microscope 200).

A method for flipping the microscope 200 to thereby convert themicroscope 200 from the inverted configuration into the uprightconfiguration will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Toconvert the microscope 200 from the inverted configuration (as shown inFIG. 7) into the upright configuration (as shown in FIG. 6), the userpicks up and flips the body 204 so that the lower surface 252B makescontact with the working surface 20.

The stage 214 automatically slides from the second position to the firstposition, in a direction along the optical axis 224, as the body 204 isflipped from the inverted configuration into the upright configuration.As a result, the distance between the specimen supporting surface (219Aand 219B) and the outer surface of the lens of the objective 213 ismaintained. In other words, the distance D1 is the same as the distanceD2.

The user may remove and reposition the handle 226 from either the firstor second receptacle 240A, 240B and reinsert the handle 226 in the otherreceptacle 240A, 240B, as desired. The handle 226 may further beinserted into the desired receptacle 240A, 240B from either side of thefirst or second specimen supporting surfaces 219A, 219B. Accordingly,the handle may be arranged so that its position with respect to theuser, remains the same (e.g., lower right side of the microscope 200,lower left side of the microscope 200, upper right side of themicroscope 200, or upper left side of the microscope 200).

Reconfigurable Embodiment

FIGS. 8-10B illustrate an example of a reconfigurable microscope 300.Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure tothe first embodiment 100. Referring to FIG. 8, the microscope 300comprises a frame or body 304 having a first portion 304A, a secondportion 304B and an intermediate portion 304C. The intermediate portion304C is disposed between the first and second portions, 304A and 304Brespectively. The intermediate portion 304C may be configured to mount astage 314. The first portion 304A includes a first mounting feature 360Aand the second portion 304B includes a second mounting feature 360B.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the first and second mounting features, 360A and360B respectively, each comprise a channel 361 configured to receiveinterchangeable components. The interchangeable components may comprisea nose piece 312 having at least one objective 313, an objective 313, ora light source and condenser assembly 316. Referring to FIG. 10B, eachof the interchangeable components comprises a rail 362 configured toengage the channel 361 of the first and second mounting features, 360Aand 360B respectively. Accordingly, any of the interchangeablecomponents may engage the first and second mounting features, 360A and360B respectively. Although a channel and rail arrangement is used tomount the interchangeable components to the body 304, it is understoodthat other methods may be used to mount the interchangeable componentsto the body 304, such as the use of interference, friction or snap fits,or any other mechanical or electromechanical methods as known by thosehaving ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in some aspects, each of the first andsecond mounting features, 360A and 360B respectively, may include a lock363 configured to mechanically engage the interchangeable components.The lock 363 may comprise a tab configured to engage a correspondingindent 364 disposed on each of the interchangeable components. The lock363 may be further configured to automatically engage the indent 364upon insertion of the interchangeable component into the mountingfeatures 360A and 360B. To disengage the lock 363, the tab may be movedto clear the indent 364 while simultaneously moving the interchangeablecomponent away from the body 304.

In one aspect, each of the first and second mounting features, 360A and360B respectively, may include an electrode 366A configured to provideelectrical power to those interchangeable components that require power,such as the condenser assembly 316. For example, upon insertion of thecondenser assembly 316 into the first or second mounting features, 360Aand 360B respectively, a corresponding electrode 366B disposed withinthe condenser assembly 316 engages the electrode 366A, therebyenergizing the light source of the condenser assembly 316.

Referring to FIG. 8, to configure the microscope 300 into an uprightconfiguration, the nose piece 312 may be mounted in the first mountingfeature 360A and the condenser assembly 316 may be mounted in the secondmounting feature 360B. Referring to FIG. 9, to configure the microscope300 into an inverted configuration, the nose piece 312 may be mounted inthe second mounting feature 360B and the condenser assembly 316 may bemounted in the first mounting feature 360A.

In some aspects, the nose piece assembly 312 may further comprises anoptical arm 306 pivotably coupled to the nose piece 312. The optical arm306 may therefore, rotate about a pivoting axis 322. The optical arm 306may further comprise a cradle 308 disposed at a distal portion of theoptical arm 306. The cradle 308 is configured to receive and secure anelectronic device 310 that is capable of acquiring images.

Modular Embodiment

FIG. 11A illustrates an isometric view of a modular microscope 400 inthe upright configuration. FIG. 11B illustrates an isometric view of themodular microscope 400 in the upright configuration, where dashed linesillustrate interior components. FIG. 11C illustrates a cross-sectionalview of the modular microscope 400 in the upright configuration. FIG.12A illustrates an isometric view of the modular microscope 400 in theinverted configuration FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of themodular microscope 400 in the inverted configuration, where dashed linesillustrate interior components. FIG. 12C illustrates a cross-sectionalview of the modular microscope 400 in the inverted configuration.Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure tothe first embodiment 100. Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, the microscope 400comprises a body 404 having a first portion 404A, a second portion 404Band an intermediate portion 404C. The intermediate portion 404C isdisposed between the first and second portions, 404A and 404Brespectively. The intermediate portion 404C may be configured to mount astage 414. The first portion 404A includes a first mounting feature 460Aand the second portion 404B includes a second mounting feature 460B.Each of the first and second mounting features, 460A and 460Brespectively, are configured to receive an objective module 413 and acondenser module 416. The objective module 413 houses the nose piece 412and the condenser module 416 houses the condenser 415. The nose piece412 may be coupled to one or more objectives 412A-C.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B and 14A-14D, each of the first and secondmounting features, 460A and 460B respectively, may comprise slots 461that are configured to receive corresponding posts 462 disposed in eachof the objective and condenser modules, 413 and 416 respectively. Insome aspects, each of the posts 462 include a latch pin hole 464 that isconfigured to receive a corresponding latch pin 463 disposed on the body404. The latch pins 463 provide proper optical alignment of theobjective and condenser modules, 413 and 416 respectively, along anoptical axis 424 defined by the objective 413.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, the body 404 includes an upper optical port472A disposed proximate to the first portion 404A and a lower opticalport 472B disposed proximate to the second portion 404B. Referring toFIGS. 11A-11C, 12A-12C, and 14C-14D, the upper and lower optical ports,472A and 472B respectively, are arranged to be aligned with acorresponding optical port 472C of the objective module 413 (shown inFIGS. 14C-14D) when the microscope 400 is in either the uprightconfiguration (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C) or the inverted configuration(as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C). Accordingly, light entering the objectivemodule 413 through nose piece 412 is reflected off of a fixed mirror 480towards the optical port 472C of the objective module 413 and into theupper or lower optical ports, 472A and 472B respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, the body 404 includes an internal opticalpath 474 that is in communication with the upper and lower opticalports, 472A and 472B respectively. The optical path 474 includes aretractable mirror 476A and a fixed mirror 476B. The retractable mirror476A is disposed proximal to the upper optical port 472A and when theretractable mirror 472A is in a first, engaged position, the retractablemirror 472A reflects light entering the upper optical port 472A towardan output port 472D. When the retractable mirror 472A is in a second,retracted position, the retractable mirror 472A is moved away from theoptical path 474 and does not reflect light in the optical path 474. Thefixed mirror 476B is disposed proximal to the lower optical port 472Band is arranged to reflect light entering the lower optical port 472Btoward the output port 472D. The output port 472D may include supportingoptics, such as an ocular lens. In other aspects, the output port 472Dmay comprise a cradle configured to receive an electronic device. Theelectronic device can comprise one of a mobile communications device(e.g., smartphone), tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, digitalcamera, portable gaming console, or other portable computing device.

In one aspect, the retractable mirror 476A may be actuated mechanicallyor electrically. For example, a lever may be manipulated by the user tomove the retractable mirror 476A to the first, engaged position or thesecond, retracted position. Alternatively, the retractable mirror 476Amay be automatically actuated through detection of the arrangement ofthe objective module 413 and/or the condenser module 416. For example,each of the objective and condenser modules, 413 and 416 respectively,may have a unique electrical signal that enables a controller to detectwhether the objective module 413 or the condenser module 416 is disposedwithin the first or second mounting features, 460A and 460Brespectively. Should the controller detect that the objective module 413is disposed within the first mounting feature 460A, then the retractablemirror 476A is positioned in the first, engaged position. Shall thecontroller detect that the objective module 413 is disposed within thesecond mounting feature 460B, then the retractable mirror 476A ispositioned in the second, retracted position. In another example, theretractable mirror 476A may be actuated automatically through anelectrical connection made between a particular slot 461 and post 462.For instance, one of the posts 462 may be configured to provideelectrical power to a predefined slot 461 that is electrically coupledto a motor or actuator. Energizing the motor or actuator thereby causesthe retractable mirror 476A to be actuated to the first, engagedposition or to the second, retracted position, depending on thearrangement of the objective and condenser modules. In another example,the retractable mirror 476A may be actuated through activation of one ormore buttons or keys that are disposed on the body 404. In this example,the user may depressed the button or key to cause the retractable mirror476A to be positioned in the first, engaged position or the second,retracted position via actuation of a motor or actuator coupled to theretractable mirror 476A. It is understood that other mechanical orelectrical methods, as known by those having ordinary skill in the art,may be used to position the retractable mirror 476A in the first,engaged position or the second, retracted position.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, when the microscope 400 is in the uprightconfiguration, the retractable mirror 476A is positioned in the engagedposition and reflects light directed from the objective module 413 tothe fixed mirror 480 toward the output port 472D. Referring to FIGS.12A-12C, when the microscope 400 is in the inverted configuration, theretractable mirror 476A is positioned in the retracted position and doesnot reflect light in the optical path 474. Rather, in the invertedconfiguration, another fixed mirror 476B reflects light entering theobjective module 413 toward the output port 472D. Retractable mirror476A can be coupled to a hinge or pivot 485 to pivot the mirror betweenthe engaged position and the retracted position.

Referring to FIG. 14A-14B, the condenser module 416 comprises astructure housing a condenser 415 and light source. Referring to FIG.14C-14D, the objective module 413 comprises a nose piece 412 onto whichat least one objective 412A-C is mounted. As discussed above, theobjective and condenser modules, 413 and 416 respectively, each compriseposts 462 that are held within corresponding slots 461 in the base 404by latch pins 463 that are engaged into corresponding latch pin holes464. In some aspects, the condenser module 416 may be electricallycoupled to the base 404 to provide power to the light source. In otheraspects, the objective module 413 may be electrically coupled to thebase 404 to power a focusing mechanism. Alternatively, the objective andcondenser modules, 413 and 416 respectively, may be self-powered by abattery housed within each of the objective and condenser modules, 413and 416 respectively.

Swing Arm Embodiment

FIGS. 15-16B illustrate an example of a swing arm microscope 500.Similar reference numerals refer to similar or identical structure tothe first embodiment 100. Referring to FIG. 15, the microscope 500comprises a base 502 having an upper portion 502A, a lower portion 502Band an intermediate portion 502C. The intermediate portion 502C isdisposed between the upper and lower portions, 502A and 502Brespectively. The intermediate portion 502C may be configured to mount astage 514. The upper portion 502A includes a first slot 584A and thelower portion 502B includes a second slot 584B. The first slot 584A isconfigured to receive an upper swing arm 504A and the second slot 584Bis configured to receive a lower swing arm 504B.

Each of the upper and lower swing arms, 504A and 504B respectively, areconfigured to swing within their corresponding slots, 584A and 584Brespectively, along a pivoting axis 588 defined by a spindle 582. In oneaspect, the pivoting axis is disposed along a plane of symmetry of theupper and lower swing arms 504A, 504B. Referring to FIG. 15, the spindle582 is disposed within the base 502. The upper and lower swing arms,504A and 504B respectively, are pivotably coupled to the spindle 582 viarotational mounts 583 (as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B). In one aspect,the upper and lower swing arms, 504A and 504B respectively, swingtogether because each is coupled to the same spindle 582. Accordingly,the upper and lower swing arms, 504A and 504B respectively, movetogether about the pivoting axis 588.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, each of the upper and lower swing arms504A, 504B include an objective 513 and a condenser 516. The upper andlower swing arms 504A, 504B may have similar profiles such as, forexample, an “L” shaped, square shaped, or round shaped profile. Althoughthe objective 513 and the condenser 516 of each swing arm 504A, 504B aredepicted as being 90 degrees apart, it is understood that other anglesmay be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Forexample, the objective 513 and the condenser 516 of each swing arm 504A,504B may be disposed at any angle ranging from 10-180 degrees. In someaspects, the pivoting axis 588 may be disposed between the objective 513and the condenser 516 of the upper and lower swing arms 504A, 504B.

Referring to FIG. 16A, the upper swing arm 504A includes a first opticalport 577A and a second optical port 577C. The first optical port 577Aincludes a mirror 576A that is configured to reflect light entering theobjective 513 of the upper swing arm 504A toward an optical path 574disposed within the base 504 (shown in FIG. 15). The second optical port577C comprises a through hole that allows light entering the objective513 of the lower swing arm 504B to exit an output port 572. Referring toFIG. 15, the output port 572 may include supporting optics, such as anocular lens and may comprise a cradle configured to receive anelectronic device.

Referring to FIG. 16B, the lower swing arm 504B includes an optical port577B. The optical port 577B includes a pair of mirrors 576A, 576B thatis configured to reflect light entering the objective 513 of the lowerswing arm 504B toward the optical path 574 of the base 504 (shown inFIG. 15).

In one aspect, because each swing arm 504A, 504B includes an objective513 and condenser 516, conversion of the microscope 500 from an uprightconfiguration to an inverted configuration, or vice versa, simplyrequires that the swing arms 504A, 504B be arranged so that theobjective 513 and condenser 516 are positioned according to the desiredconfiguration. For example, shall the user desire to use the microscope500 in an upright configuration, the user would position the swing arms504A, 504B so that the objective 513 of the upper swing arm 504A isdisposed above the specimen to be observed and the condenser 516 of thelower swing arm 504B is disposed below the specimen to be observed. Asdiscussed above, because the upper and lower swing arms, 504A and 504B,are coupled to the same spindle 582, rotation of one of the swing arms504A, 504B causes rotation of the other swing arm 504A, 504B.

In this example, after light enters the objective 513 of the upper swingarm 504A, light is reflected and directed toward the first optical port577A via the mirror 576A. Light exiting the first optical port 577Aenters the optical path 574 of the base 504 and exits from the outputport 572.

In another example, should the user desire to use the microscope 500 inan inverted configuration, the user would position the swing arms 504A,504B so that the objective 513 of the lower swing arm 504B is disposedbelow the specimen to be observed and the condenser 516 of the upperswing arm 504A is disposed above the specimen to be observed. Again,because the upper and lower swing arms, 504A and 504B, are coupled tothe same spindle 582, rotation of one of the swing arms 504A, 504Bcauses rotation of the other swing arm 504A, 504B.

In this example, after light enters the objective 513 of the lower swingarm 504B, light is reflected and directed toward the optical port 577Bvia the mirror 576B. Light exiting the optical port 577B enters theoptical path 574 of the base 504, passes through the second optical port577C of the upper swing arm 504A, and ultimately exits from the outputport 572. The cradle 608 configured to receive and secure an electronicdevice 610 that is capable of acquiring images, and to align an opticalelement of the electronic device 610 with the output port 572. Theelectronic device 610 can be a portable personal computing deviceincluding an optical element (e.g., a camera), for example a mobilecommunications device (e.g., smartphone), tablet computing device,laptop, PDA, portable gaming device, camera, or other portable computingdevice with imaging capabilities.

Accordingly, the objective 513 of the upper swing arm 504A is used whenthe microscope 500 is in the upright configuration and the condenser 516of the upper swing arm 504A is used when the microscope 500 is in theinverted configuration. Similarly, the objective 513 of the lower swingarm 504B is used when the microscope 500 is in the invertedconfiguration and the condenser 516 of the lower swing arm 504B is usedwhen the microscope 500 is in the upright configuration.

Laterally Rotating Embodiment

FIG. 17A illustrates an example of a laterally rotating microscope 600in an upright configuration, and FIG. 17B illustrates an example of thelaterally rotating microscope 600 in an inverted configuration. Similarreference numerals refer to similar or identical structure to the firstembodiment 100. Referring to FIGS. 17A-17B, the microscope 600 comprisesa base 602 and a rotating assembly 604. The rotating assembly 604 mayinclude an objective 613, an optical arm 606, a cradle 608, a stage 614,and a condenser 616, that are all configured to rotate together as asingle assembly, along a rotating axis 620 that extends along a lateraldirection with respect to the microscope 600. The rotating axis 620 isdefined by rotational couplings disposed at opposite ends of the stage614.

In one aspect, the optical arm 606 may be coupled to the objective 613and configured to reflect light entering the objective 613 toward anoptical input of an electronic device 610. The electronic device 610 maybe removably attached to the optical arm 606 via the cradle 608.

The objective 613 and the condenser 616 are connected by a structuralarm 692. The structure arm 692 supports and arranges the objective 613and the condenser 616 with respect to the stage 614. As shown in FIGS.17A-17B, the objective 613 and condenser 616 may be arranged at opposingends of the structure arm 692.

To convert the microscope 600 into an inverted configuration, a handle694 of the rotating assembly 604 is rotated along the rotating axis 620until the handle 694 engages a slot 696 disposed within the base 602. Asa result of such rotation, the rotating assembly 604 is rotated about180 degrees, thereby positioning the objective 613 below the stage 614and the condenser 616 above the stage 614. As discussed above withreference to the stage 114, the stage 614 may be configured to support aspecimen on both a first and second specimen supporting surface.

Overview of Example Controller and User Interface Components

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating components of controller 1000that can be used to manage a dual-use microscope. The controller 1000can be integral to the microscope in some embodiments. In otherembodiments, the controller 1000 can be separate from the microscope,for example the controller 1000 can be included in a user portablecomputing device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, personal digitalassistant, or the like) configured to communicate and/or cooperate withthe microscope. In further embodiments, aspects of the controller 1000can be integral to the microscope and aspects of the controller 1000 canbe separate from the microscope.

Controller 1000 comprises user interface module 1020, processor module1004, storage module 1010, input/output (I/O) module 1008, memory module1006, and bus 1002. Bus 1002 may be any suitable communication mechanismfor communicating information. Processor module 1004, storage module1010, I/O module 1008, and memory module 1006 are coupled with bus 1002for communicating information between any of the modules of controller1000 and/or information between any module of controller 1000 and adevice external to controller 1000. For example, informationcommunicated between any of the modules of controller 1000 may includeinstructions and/or data. In some aspects, bus 1002 may be a universalserial bus. In some aspects, bus 302 may provide Ethernet connectivity.

User interface module 1020 can generate a graphical user interface forenabling user interaction with the dual-configuration microscope and/orimage data gathered from the dual-configuration microscope, and includesimage parameters adjustment module 1022 and file management module 1024.User interface module 1020 can be available as a set of softwareinstructions, for example an application that can be downloaded orotherwise provided to an electronic device configured to be received bythe cradle of the optical arm of the dual-configuration microscope toacquire images. The image parameters adjustment module 1022 can providefunctionality for a user to adjust the brightness, contrast, and colorsettings of acquired images. The file management module 1024 can providefunctionality for naming and archiving of acquired images. For example,for archiving the file management module 1024 can provide controls fornaming a file, naming an album, and choosing which file type to use forsaving an acquired image (e.g., .jpeg, .tiff, .png). For example, forfile sharing the file management module 1024 can provide functionalityto send an acquired image by email or other electronic communication, tointerface with and upload to a local network server, or to share usingglobal network filesharing services.

In some aspects, processor module 1004 may comprise one or moreprocessors, where each processor may perform different functions orexecute different instructions and/or processes. For example, one ormore processors may execute instructions for focusing on a specimen,positioning a specimen with respect to an objective, operating of alight source, controlling of a condenser, acquiring an image, processingan image, sending an image to another device, altering light pathwaysand illumination settings, automated X-Y stage movement, controllingexternal hardware devices (e.g., camera), controlling other computerdevices (e.g., onboard mini-computer, onboard controllers),communicating with another device, and one or more processors mayexecute instructions for input/output functions.

Memory module 1006 may be random access memory (“RAM”) or other dynamicstorage devices for storing information and instructions to be executedby processor module 1004. Memory module 1006 may also be used forstoring temporary variables or other intermediate information duringexecution of instructions by processor 1004. In some aspects, memorymodule 1006 may comprise battery-powered static RAM, which storesinformation without requiring power to maintain the stored information.Storage module 1010 may be a magnetic disk or optical disk and may alsostore information and instructions. In some aspects, storage module 1010may comprise hard disk storage or electronic memory storage (e.g., flashmemory). In some aspects, memory module 1006 and storage module 1010 areboth a machine-readable medium.

Controller 1000 is coupled via I/O module 1008 to a user interface forproviding information to and receiving information from a usercontrolling functions of a microscope, operations of a microscope, orfor causing actuation of certain components of a microscope (e.g.,movement of a retractable mirror, stage, or objective). For example, theuser interface may be a cathode ray tube (“CRT”), LCD monitor, ortouch-screen display for displaying information to an operator. The userinterface may also include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or atouch-screen device coupled to controller 1000 via I/O module 1008 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor module1004.

According to various aspects of the subject disclosure, methodsdescribed herein are executed by controller 1000. Specifically,processor module 1004 executes one or more sequences of instructionscontained in memory module 1006 and/or storage module 1010. In oneexample, instructions may be read into memory module 1006 from anothermachine-readable medium, such as storage module 1010. In anotherexample, instructions may be read directly into memory module 1006 fromI/O module 1008, for example from a user controlling functions of amicroscope, operations of a microscope, or for causing actuation ofcertain components of a microscope (e.g., movement of a retractablemirror, stage, or objective) via the user interface. Execution of thesequences of instructions contained in memory module 1006 and/or storagemodule 1010 causes processor module 1004 to control functions of themicroscope, operations of the microscope, or actuation of certaincomponents of the microscope (e.g., movement of a retractable mirror,stage, or objective). For example, focusing operations, image processingand acquisition, and component actuation instructions may be stored inmemory module 1006 and/or storage module 1010 as one or more sequencesof instructions. Information such as the distance between a specimensupporting surface and a condenser, or position of an objective orcondenser with respect to a specimen may be communicated from processormodule 1004 to memory module 1006 and/or storage module 1010 via bus1002 for storage. In some aspects, the information may be communicatedfrom processor module 1004, memory module 1006, and/or storage module1010 to I/O module 1008 via bus 1002. The information may then becommunicated from I/O module 1008 to a user operating the microscope.

One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also beemployed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in memorymodule 1006 and/or storage module 1010. In some aspects, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions to implement various aspects of the subject disclosure.Thus, aspects of the subject disclosure are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term “machine-readable medium,” or “computer-readable medium,” asused herein, refers to any medium that participates in providinginstructions to processor module 1004 for execution. Such a medium maytake many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media,volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, forexample, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage module 1010.Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as memory module 1006.Common forms of machine-readable media or computer-readable mediainclude, for example, floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetictape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other opticalmedium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical mediums withpatterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EPROM, any othermemory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a processor canread.

FIG. 19 illustrates and example of a user interface 1900 provided on acomputing device configured to cooperate, at least optically and in someexamples electronically, with a dual-configuration microscope. The userinterface 1900 can be generated in some embodiments by the userinterface module 1020 of the controller 1000.

As illustrated, the user interface includes a specimen display area1930, an image parameter control panel 1910, and file naming controls1920, 1925. The specimen display area 1930 displays to a user a visualrepresentation of the specimen positioned in the optical path of themicroscope. In some embodiments, the visual representation can beadjusted by the user, for example by zooming, rotating, or using otheradjustment controls presented in the image parameter control panel 1910.In other aspects, the visual representation of the specimen can bereceived by a camera of the device used to present the interface 1900.For example, an electronic device positioned in the cradle of amicroscope, as described above, may convert the visual representation ofthe specimen into a digital representation, and present that digitalrepresentation in the specimen display area 1930 via a touch sensitivedisplay panel.

Image parameter control panel 1910 can provide functionality for a userto change the visual appearance of one or more image parameters of thespecimen image including, for example, brightness controls 1912,contrast controls 1914, and color option selections 1916, among others.The image parameter control panel 1910 can also provide a file typeselection functionality 1918 for a user to change a file type to be usedfor storage of a snapshot of the visual representation of the specimen.

The user may capture a snapshot of the visual representation of thespecimen by activating a shutter button. For example, the interface 1900can be presented on a touch-sensitive display panel in some embodiments,and a user may capture a snapshot of the visual representation of thespecimen by touching a digital shutter button. For archiving, theinterface 1900 may provide controls for naming the file 1925, naming thealbum 1930, and choosing which file type to save as (.jpeg, .tiff, .png)as described above. Such functionality can beneficially enable a user ofthe microscope to organize snapshots using a personalized system toenable easier retrieval of a desired specimen snapshot stored in anelectronic database after storage, for example by naming the album basedon session date, specimen type, or others, and by naming the files basedon sample characteristics, image parameters, or the like, to name just afew examples.

Although not illustrated, the interface 1900 can provide for filesharing capabilities, for example enabling a user to send specimensnapshot images by email, directly upload to and interface with a localnetwork server, or share using a networked file-sharing service. Theinterface 1900 can, in some embodiments, provide post processing toolsfor editing specimen snapshots after image capture, for example bycropping and making image parameter adjustments. The interface 1900 canalso include analysis tools, for example for counting, labeling,rotating, and/or making measurements on captured specimen snapshots.

Overview of Additional Components of Rotating Embodiments

FIG. 20A illustrates a top, left, and front perspective view of a stage2000 and FIG. 20B illustrates a bottom, right, and front perspectiveview of the stage 2000. As illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20B, an embodimentof an X-Y stage 2000 for use with a dual-configuration microscope suchas is described herein may include a mounting block 2005 configured tobe inserted into a corresponding pocket 2010 disposed within theintermediate portion 104C of the body of a dual-configurationmicroscope. In some embodiments, the X-Y stage 2000 can be used with anyof the dual-configuration microscopes described herein, for example therotatable microscope embodiments, modular microscope embodiments, andreconfigurable microscope embodiments discussed herein.

In the illustrated example, the mounting block 2005 of the stage 2000can be inserted into the pocket 2010 and held into position by a quickrelease mechanism 2015. The quick release mechanism 2015 may comprise,in the illustrated embodiment, a chamfered rotating member 2020 andhandle 2025, wherein the chamfered rotating member 2020 is configured tosecurely engage a corresponding chamfer 2030 on the mounting block 2005.As the quick release mechanism 2015 is rotated, a contact force betweenthe chamfers 2020 and 2030 increases to thereby securely engage andmaintain the mounting block 2005 in position. Other suitable releasablesecuring mechanisms can be used in other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21B and 21C, the specimen supporting surface2035 of the stage 2000 is mounted at or below a horizontal central axis2040 of the mounting block 2005. The central axis 2040 of the mountingblock 2005 passes through the vertical center of the mounting block2005. In some aspects, the spatial relationship between the horizontalcentral axis 2040 of the mounting block 2005 and the specimen supportingsurface 2035 enables a spacing between the specimen supporting surface2035 of the stage 2000 and an outer surface of a lens of the objectiveand/or an outer surface of the condenser to be maintained, regardless ofwhether the microscope is in the upright or inverted configuration, asdiscussed above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. To illustrate, whenthe microscope is in the upright configuration and after the stage 2000is inserted into the pocket 2010 and secured, the specimen supportingsurface 2035 is positioned a distance away from the outer surface of thelens of the objective 2125 and/or the outer surface of the condenser2130 (represented by D5). When the microscope is in the invertedconfiguration and the stage 2000 is inserted into the pocket 2010 andsecured, the specimen supporting surface 2035 is positionedsubstantially the same distance away from the outer surface of the lensof the objective 2125 and/or the outer surface of the condenser 2130(represented by D6). Distances D5 and D6 may be equal or substantiallyequal. Thereby, the focal distance between the specimen supportingsurface 2035 and outer surface of the lens of the objective can bemaintained in some embodiments regardless of whether the microscope isin the upright or inverted configuration. In some embodiments, thespatial relationship between the horizontal central axis 2040 of themounting block 2005 and the specimen supporting surface 2035 enables aspacing or working distance between the specimen supporting surface 2035of the stage 2000 and an outer surface of a lens of the condenser 2130of the microscope to be maintained regardless of whether the microscopeis in the upright or inverted configuration.

As illustrated by FIG. 21B and FIG. 21C, the body of the microscopeoccupies substantially the same three-dimensional area in the invertedconfiguration and in the upright configuration, and faces substantiallythe same direction in the inverted configuration and in the uprightconfiguration. In the inverted configuration, the objective occupiessubstantially the same space as the condenser occupies in the uprightconfiguration. Similarly, in the inverted configuration, the condenseroccupies substantially the same space as the objective occupies in theupright configuration. This can provide a seamless user experience whenconverting the microscope between the upright and invertedconfigurations, as the microscope occupies substantially the same spaceabove the workspace upon which the microscope is placed in bothconfigurations, and also faces the same direction in both configurations

As in the illustrated embodiment, the stage 1900 can be configured to beremoved during transition of the microscope between the inverted andupright configurations. In other embodiments, the stage 2000 and pocket2010 can be coupled to the base of the microscope such that the body ofthe microscope can rotate between the inverted and uprightconfigurations without removal of the stage 2000.

The illustrated specimen supporting surface 2035 of the stage 2000includes an insert 2045 for holding two standard sized slides for aninverted microscope. In other embodiments, different slide inserts canbe used instead of the illustrated insert 2045. The insert can beremovable, and can be replaced with an insert for holding a specimendish or container when the microscope is in the upright configuration.

The stage 2000 can be controlled in some embodiments by rotation of aY-axis knob 2050 and an X-axis knob 2055 for driving belt 2060 forlaterally positioning at least an upper structure 2065 of the stage 2000in the Y and X directions, respectively, enabling acquisition of imagesof different portions of the samples supported by the insert 2045. Upperstructure 2065 may comprise belts, gears, or other comparable mechanismsthat enable at least the specimen supporting surface 2035 to move in theY and X directions. In other embodiments, the stage 2000 can beadditionally or alternatively controlled through use of a digitalcontroller, for example through controller 1000 communicating with X andY drive motors (not illustrated) of the stage 2000.

FIGS. 21A through 21C illustrate another embodiment of rotatingmicroscope 2100 comprising a body rotatably coupled with a unitary base.The body 2105 includes at least one contoured surface. For example, theupper and lower surfaces of the body 2105 may each have a convex profilethat corresponds to a concave profile of an outer surface of the lowerportion of the base, facilitating smooth rotation of the body. FIG. 21Aillustrates an isometric view of the microscope 2100 with the body in anupright configuration. The body 2100 includes the stage 2000 describedabove, and an optical arm 2110 with a rotatable collar 2199, a firstgeared focus module 2115 for the objective 2125, and a second gearedfocus module 2120 for the condenser 2130.

FIG. 21B illustrates a front view of the rotatable microscope 2100 inthe upright configuration with the first geared focus module 2115 and alower casing of the optical arm 2110 removed to reveal the components ofthe optical path 2190 inside of the optical arm 2110. The optical arm2110 includes a rotatable collar 2199 and a Dove prism 2135 (shown inFIG. 21D) positioned to receive light representing acquired images andpass the light to the reflective surface 2140, which then redirects thelight through the eyepiece 2155 of the optical arm 2110. The optical arm2110 can be rotatably coupled to the body 2105 in some embodiments. Dueto rotation of the optical arm 2110 around the optical path 2190 passingthrough the optical arm 2110, the acquired specimen image can be rotatedwhen viewed by an imaging device in optical communication with theeyepiece 2155 of the optical arm 2110. Advantageously, the Dove prism2135 is located in the optical path 2190 and can be longitudinalrotated, automatically and/or manually, in order to correct for rotationof the acquired image. For example, the Dove prism 2135 can be manuallyrotated in some embodiments by rotation of the collar 2199. FIG. 21Cillustrates an embodiment of the rotatable microscope 2100 with the bodypositioned in an inverted configuration.

FIG. 21D illustrates a close up view of the Dove prism 2135 within ahousing 2175. The housing 2175 may rotate at a different rate than theoptical arm 2110 in some embodiments. The Dove prism 2135 is a type ofreflective prism which can be used to invert an image. The Dove prism2135 is shaped from a truncated right-angle prism. A beam of lightentering a first face 2160 of the sloped faces of the prism undergoestotal internal reflection from the inside of the longest face 2165 andemerges from the opposite sloped face 2170. Images passing through theprism 2135 are flipped, and because only one reflection takes place, theimage is inverted but not laterally transposed. Properties of the Doveprism 2135 make it useful as a beam rotator, as when the prism 2135 isrotated along its longitudinal axis 2195, the transmitted image rotatesat twice the rate of the prism 2135. Accordingly, longitudinal rotationsof the prism 2135 can cause double the rotation of the acquired image tocorrect for rotation of visual representations of specimens due torotation of the microscope and/or optical arm. The longitudinal axis2195 of the Dove prism 2135 can be aligned with the optical path 2190 insome embodiments.

In some embodiments, the Dove prism 2135 is disposed within the housing2175 comprising an inner tube, the inner tube 2175 is disposed within anouter tube 2185. The inner tube 2175 and outer tube 2185 are coaxiallyarranged. Rotation of the inner tube 2175 can be accomplished byrotation of a collar 2199 that may be disposed at substantially one endof the inner tube 2175. In some aspects, the collar 2199 may be coupledto the inner tube 2175 via a threaded engagement, press fit, or othercomparable mechanical coupling methods know to a person of ordinaryskill. Rotation of the collar 2199 thereby causes rotation of the innertube 2175, which in turn causes rotation of the Dove prism 2135.Additionally or alternatively, the Dove prism 2135 may be rotatedautomatically with the use of gears that are arranged to rotate theinner tube 2175 as the optical arm 2110 is rotated. As one example, thegears may be arranged to provide a gearing ratio of 2:1, where one fullrotation of the optical arm 2110 causes one-half rotation of the Doveprism 2135. Other gearing ratios may be acceptable, depending on theintended design. In other aspects, a user may further manually rotatethe inner tube 2175 to attain a desired rotation of the acquired image.In other aspects, rotation of the Dove prism 2135 may be accomplishedvia a stepper, rotational, or linear motor, for example, driven bycontroller 1000. In yet another example, a stepper, rotational, orlinear motor may be actuated based on an accelerometer reading of theelectronic device coupled to the optical arm 2110.

In some embodiments, the Dove prism 2135 as described above can be usedwith any of the dual-configuration microscopes described herein, forexample the rotatable microscope embodiments, modular microscopeembodiments, and reconfigurable microscope embodiments discussed herein.

TERMINOLOGY

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thesubject technology has been particularly described with reference to thevarious figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these configurations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, manychanges and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the stepsmay be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Aphrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and viceversa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that suchembodiment is essential to the subject technology or that suchembodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, orone or more embodiments. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one ormore embodiments and vice versa.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Theterm “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functionalequivalents to the elements of the various configurations describedthroughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein byreference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology.Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited inthe above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A microscope comprising: a base; a bodycomprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body isrotatably coupled to the base at a rotational coupling; one or moreobjectives coupled to the first portion of the body; a condenser coupledto the second portion of the body; a stage positioned between the one ormore objectives and the condenser, and comprising a first specimensupporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein thesecond specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the firstspecimen supporting surface; wherein the one or more objectives, thecondenser, and the stage are positioned in an inverted configurationwhen the body is positioned such that the one or more objectives islocated below a light source and the second specimen supporting surfaceis oriented to support a specimen; and wherein the one or moreobjectives, the condenser, and the stage are positioned in an uprightconfiguration when the body is positioned such that the one or moreobjectives is located above the light source and the first specimensupporting surface is oriented to support a specimen.
 2. The microscopeof claim 1, wherein the stage further comprises: a first specimensecuring element coupled to the first specimen supporting surface; and asecond specimen securing element coupled to the second specimensupporting surface.
 3. The microscope of claim 1, wherein the firstspecimen supporting surface and the second specimen supporting surfaceboth include a recessed pocket.
 4. The microscope of claim 1 furthercomprising: a handle removably coupled to the stage, wherein the distalportion of the handle is configured to engage a first receptacle locatedon the first specimen supporting surface and a second receptacle locatedon the second specimen supporting surface.
 5. The microscope of claim 4,wherein the handle is magnetically coupled to the stage.
 6. A microscopesystem comprising: a body comprising a first portion and a secondportion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to a base at a rotationalcoupling, the rotational coupling defining a rotating axis; one or moreobjectives coupled to the first portion of the body; a condenser coupledto the second portion of the body; and a stage positioned between theone or more objectives and the condenser, and comprising a firstspecimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface,wherein the second specimen supporting surface is positioned oppositethe first specimen supporting surface.
 7. The microscope system of claim6, wherein the stage further comprises a first specimen securing elementcoupled to the first specimen supporting surface.
 8. The microscopesystem of claim 6, wherein the stage further comprises a second specimensecuring element coupled to the second specimen supporting surface. 9.The microscope system of claim 6, wherein the first specimen supportingsurface includes a first recessed pocket.
 10. The microscope of claimsystem of claim 6, wherein the second specimen supporting surfaceincludes a second recessed pocket.
 11. The microscope system of claim 6further comprising: a handle removably coupled to the stage, wherein thedistal portion of the handle is configured to engage a first receptaclelocated on the first specimen supporting surface and a second receptaclelocated on the second specimen supporting surface.
 12. A method forassembling a rotating microscope, the method comprising: coupling amicroscope body to a microscope base at a rotational coupling, themicroscope body configured to rotate about a rotating axis of therotational coupling; coupling one or more objectives to a first portionof the microscope body; coupling a condenser to a second portion of themicroscope body; and mounting a stage between the one or more objectivesand the condenser, the stage comprising a first specimen supportingsurface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the firstspecimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the second specimensupporting surface.